Cape Town - Seven-year-old Cassidy Hendricks from Grassy Park has achieved second place in the national final rounds of the South African Literacy Association for English Language.
In June, Cassidy was part of the semi-finals and is able to master Grade 8 mathematics.
In Grade 1 at Buck Road Primary School, she participated in the national final round last week.
According to a formal letter sent to Cassidy and her family, she won second place for English language in the reading category, achieved 95% and will receive her prize soon.
Cassidy began reading at 2 and is also exploring the world of foreign languages such as Spanish and French and is tackling geography and science.
Earlier this year she was tested for Grade 8 mathematics, which she aced, including completing Grade 4 sums.
In her preparation for the finals, Cassidy focused on reading with expression and loves the book series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and reads three books at a time, not just focusing on one.
Cassidy said she was elated with her results.
“I felt excited when I read the results on my grandmother’s cellphone. I practised reading other books and read another for the finals, which was a new story,” she said.
Her mother, Amanda Hendricks, said she adored her daughter’s diligence and hard work. “I am so proud of her, she will be a champion in my eyes.
“I want to say thank you to my mother for preparing her and to all who sent her well wishes throughout the competition.”
Cassidy’s grandmother, Brenda Tommy, who has an educational background and facilitates the reading and activities, said Cassidy had worked hard to achieve this accomplishment. “Second prize will receive a pin and certificate and it will be delivered in November.
“Next year they will hopefully be reverting to where there will be physical attendance rather than virtual due to the pandemic.
“We thank everyone for the support, including her classmates, who made her cards for the finals.
“Our main aim is to help other children so that they can realise that hard work does pay off because she works hard, the more you read, the better things will be in your growth and development and opens many avenues for you with your knowledge.”